Marc Hottiger has backed his old boss Roy Hodgson to lead England to some World Cup heroics in Brazil – and revealed the Three Lions coach is “confident” of success in Brazil.

The former Newcastle United full-back was part of the Switzerland team that helped shoot Hodgson to managerial fame by first qualifying for the World Cup 20 years ago, then reaching the last 16, stunning Romania along the way with a 4-1 win against the likes of Gheorghe Hagi and Co.

Now Hottiger feels that England chief Hodgson can prove some of the doubters wrong and provide headlines for the right reasons.

Still a close friend of his former Switzerland manager, Hottiger told the Chronicle: “I spoke to Roy a couple of months ago and he was feeling confident about going to the tournament.

“I really hope England do well.”

England, though, have a tough start to the World Cup against teams who have reached the latter stages of major tournaments in recent times.